Ipswich Tru7 Group Witches toast their 75th anniversary when the Rowe Motor Oil Premiership champions host a huge celebration of the club’s history and legends at their home clash with Leicester on Thursday, August 20.
Since hosting their first fixture in 1951, the Witches have racked up five top-flight titles and established themselves among Britain’s most storied clubs.
Representatives of all five title-winning sides from 1975, 1976, 1984, 1998 and 2025 will be present, with the confirmed rider guest list including Tony Davey, Mick Hines, Kevin Jolly, Leigh Lanham, Savalas Clouting, Chris Schramm, Chris Mills, Alan Sage, Trevor Jones, Andy Hibbs, Carl Squirrell, Stefano Nielsen, Ted Howgego, Lol Hare, Stan Pepper, Roger Pascall, Nigel Flatman, Jeremy Doncaster, Carl Blackbird, Lewis Blackbird, Ben Howe and former Witches title-winning team manager Ritchie Hawkins.
Gates open at the earlier time of 6pm – 5.45pm for season ticket holders – and fans will need the extra time to take in Pete Rout and Jason Bullard’s fantastic collection of Witches race jackets and kevlars throughout the years. There will also be a large exhibition of vintage speedway bikes to enjoy.
In addition to Witches’ Rowe Motor Oil Premiership showdown with Leicester, which sees them bid to avenge their Premiership Knockout Cup Final loss, fans can enjoy a unique second half, raced on upright machines, with Witches team manager Paul Hurry among the stars competing.
This season’s Witches riders will compete in retro race jackets, inspired by the 1951 original. The meeting programme will also have a 1951 theme, and special merchandise to celebrate the milestone will be available to purchase.
Chairman Richard Coleman is calling on Ipswich fans to share in an occasion celebrating all things Witches.
He said: “It’s an honour to be leading the club into its 75th anniversary season along with Andrew Chisholm and Paul Hurry, and we were keen to do something alongside one of our summer fixtures to mark the occasion. We look forward to seeing our Ipswich legends back at Foxhall for this special night and we are working on inviting many more.
“The sight and sound of the vintage bikes is sure to excite fans of every era, and this will definitely offer a very unique second half. I can’t wait to see Paul taking a few laps.
“I was delighted to take a look at Pete Rout and Jason Bullard’s collection of Witches race jackets, bikes and memorabilia at the Suffolk Show in May, and this is a must-see when fans visit Foxhall next week.
“With so much to see and take in, I would encourage all Witches fans to get to Foxhall a little earlier next week.
“Of course, this year’s team also has a big job to do on the track. We are yet to defeat the Lions at Foxhall this season and there could not be a better night for us to put that right.”
Advance tickets for Witches’ 75-year celebration against Leicester are available online HERE now, with cash accepted at turnstiles on race day and credit card payments available at the entrance to the right.
Those who can’t make it to Foxhall can follow the racing live on WitchesTV HERE.